Klopp: 'Liverpool don't need to play in Champions League to buy good players'

According to coach Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's transfer plans for the summer of 2023 will not be affected, regardless of whether the team finishes in the top 4 of the Premier League or not.

A month ago, Liverpool were eighth, 10 points behind fourth-placed Man Utd. But a run of six wins has seen the Anfield outfit climb to fifth, just one point behind Man Utd and three behind Newcastle ahead of Round 36. The gap has widened to four points after Man Utd beat Wolves and Newcastle drew with Leeds in last weekend's fixtures.

In the remaining matches, Liverpool will face Leicester on May 15, Aston Villa on May 20 and Southampton on May 28. Meanwhile, Man Utd will face Bournemouth, Chelsea, Fulham, while Newcastle will play Brighton, Leicester and Chelsea.

Klopp at Liverpool's AXA training ground on May 13. Photo: liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool have produced some stunning comebacks in the past, such as beating Barca 4-0 at Anfield in the second leg of the 2019 Champions League semi-final to advance despite losing 3-0 in the first leg at Camp Nou. Or in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, when Liverpool were 3-0 down after half-time, equalised to 3-3 in the second half and won 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

Asked about achieving similar feats to break into the top four this season, Klopp said: "Everyone will never forget those moments. You're right, miracles happen, but at that time we still had the power to decide. If Newcastle and Man Utd finish this season above us, they deserve it."

To secure a Champions League spot, Liverpool must win all three remaining matches and hope Man Utd stumble in two of the remaining three. Or Liverpool need Newcastle to lose two of their final matches.

However, Klopp is not worried about the summer transfer plan in 2023 being affected even if he is absent from the Champions League next season, because Liverpool is a big club and an attractive destination for top players. "If you join a club, it means you want to achieve something with the club," the German coach said. "We have to fight for the Champions League, the titles and if you want to be part of that, then welcome to Anfield."

According to Klopp, the early elimination from the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup gave Liverpool eight or nine days to train and prepare between Premier League matches, thereby showing a fresh face in recent times. The 55-year-old coach wants Liverpool to take advantage of the remaining matches to look forward to the new season, while admitting that he made some changes a bit late, one of which was pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold into the center when Liverpool had possession.

Hong Duy

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